Men’s Therapy Podcast

Train Your Brain: Be the Ultimate Man w/ Tim Desmond

In today's episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, we welcome Tim Desmond. He is a distinguished faculty scholar at Antioch University and an acclaimed author. He is a student of the legendary Thich Nhat Hanh. His insights on mental health, Buddhism, and personal development provide a transformative perspective. They help men connect with their masculinity and improve mental wellness. This guidance offers a path to greater self-awareness and growth.
Tim’s journey began in Boston, where he grew up the son of a single, recovering alcoholic mother. A sports scholarship got him to college, but he soon felt unworthy of the opportunity. In his quest to make a meaningful impact, he discovered Thich Nhat Hanh’s book Peace Is Every Step. This sparked a lifelong journey of self-discovery and service. "If you're trying to create a world with less suffering, you need to learn how to suffer less," Tim recalls Thich Nhat Hanh teaching. This insight led him to immerse himself in meditation practices. And ultimately pursue a career in clinical psychology.
Tim describes meditation as mental training. It is a practice that allows individuals to cultivate qualities. Such as compassion, equanimity, and emotional resilience. “Whatever quality of mind you want, you can train yourself to develop it,” he explains. For Tim, this training meant learning to transform suffering into freedom. It meant deepening his ability to connect with others authentically.

Think You Have A Narcissistic Mother? Listen To This! w/ Rick Belden

In a riveting episode of the Men's Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay sits down with Rick Belden. He is a poet, essayist, and men’s coach whose work explores the psychological challenges men face. Belden helps men confront emotional wounds by exploring the "mother wound," childhood trauma, and the impact of therapy. His work highlights the transformative power of addressing deep-rooted pain.
“A mother wound may be thought of as an injury to the psyche of a child. It results from significant dysfunction in the relationship with the mother,” says Belden. He grounds his insights on personal experience and years of coaching. The mother wound isn’t always about overt neglect or abuse. It can stem from a mother’s unhealed pain being unconsciously passed on to her child.
Belden’s journey into men’s work is just as compelling as his insights. After grappling with unresolved grief and emotional disconnection in his 20s, he found solace in therapy and men’s groups. "It was terrifying to join a group full of men," he admits, "but it turned out to be fantastic. I discovered that everyone there had struggles they never spoke about." This realization became a cornerstone of his coaching approach. It emphasizes creating safe spaces for men to process and grow..

How Polyamorous Sex Helped Me Stop Jealousy in a Relationship w/ Adam

On today's episode of the Men's Therapy Podcast, explore the transformative journey of Adam Darrow. He is the author of Seek the Risk. Adam’s book is a personal memoir that chronicles his experiences with polyamorous sex. It highlights his journey of extreme sports, and navigating modern masculinity challenges. “I realized it wasn’t about the trophy or the reward,” Adam shares. “It was about the journey, about facing my fears and discovering who I truly am.”
Adam’s story begins during the pandemic. Inspired by a friend, he decided to turn his journaled reflections into a book. He is a former extreme sports competitor and self-proclaimed risk-taker. Adam’s pursuit of growth led him to challenge not only physical limits but emotional and relational boundaries as well. Adam’s journey into nonmonogamy with his partner, Jane, is a key focus of his story. Their unconventional relationship shaped many of the lessons he shared. Adam's unique relationship revealed profound lessons about jealousy and vulnerability. It also deepened his understanding of emotional intelligence in relationships.

Alexithymia: The Inability To Voice Out Your Emotions w/ Dr. Ronald Levant

In today’s compelling Men's Therapy Podcast episode, host Marc Azoulay explores the world of men’s mental health with Dr. Ronald F. Levant. He is an eminent voice in the psychology of masculinity. Dr. Levant is Professor Emeritus at the University of Akron. He is former American Psychological Association’s Division of Men and Masculinities president. He brings decades of expertise to the conversation. He shares groundbreaking insights into fatherhood, alexithymia, and emotional inexpressiveness. He sheds light on the psychological barriers many men face.  
“Many men, myself included, grew up with difficult fathers,” Dr. Levant recalls. This raw honesty sets the tone. He explores how generational trauma and societal norms have shaped men’s emotional landscapes. He also tackles alexithymia. It is a condition where individuals struggle to identify and articulate their emotions. This is a phenomenon that Dr. Levant refers to as "normative male alexithymia."
This episode highlights the pressing need for emotional education. Whether it's redefining fatherhood to reshaping masculinity for the modern era. It highlights the importance of positive male mentorship..

A Brain Reset Is What Men Really Need! w/ Dr. Ronald Levant

Dr. Ronald Levant is no stranger to breaking boundaries. He is a clinical psychologist and a professor emeritus at the University of Akron. He is also a former president of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Levant has spent decades studying men’s mental health and masculinity. His journey is marked by overcoming abuse, bullying, and self-discovery. It drives his mission to help men redefine their emotional lives. Today's episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast hosts Dr. Levant. He explores the challenges men face when addressing their emotional health. He also shares tools to help them grow.
"I grew up in a world where showing emotions was seen as weakness," Dr. Levant shares. "Boys are taught from a young age to suppress feelings. This restrictive emotionality has long-term consequences." Dr. Levant reflects on his transformation from a troubled youth to an esteemed psychologist. He underscores the importance of emotional alchemy. "It’s not just about naming emotions. It’s about understanding and expressing them in ways that improve our relationships and well-being."

Couples Therapy That Works w/ Donald Bialkowski

What if the key to transforming your relationship lies not in fixing your partner? What if it is all about mastering mindfulness together through couples therapy? In today’s episode of the Men's Therapy Podcast, Marc Azoulay welcomes back Donald Bialkowski. He is a clinical social worker specializing in mindful relating and relational leadership. Bialkowski brings a unique perspective to couples therapy. He emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in creating healthy relationships. "The relationship isn't the problem. It just reveals the problem within you," Bialkowski shares. He highlights how relationships serve as mirrors for personal growth. His approach focuses on helping couples move from confrontational positions to collaborative partnerships. He helps in addressing both traditional and modern relationship challenges.

Understanding Emotionally Unavailable Men w/ Owen Marcus

In today’s episode of Men’s Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay welcomes Owen Marcus. He is a seasoned expert in somatic therapy and emotional development. Owen sheds light on the complexities of emotionally unavailable men. He has years of experience helping men embrace vulnerability and heal from trauma. He provides valuable insights into the impact of toxic masculinity on emotional detachment. Additionally, he examines how societal expectations play a role in this issue..
Owen shares, "For many men, emotional unavailability is a defense mechanism. It's not a trait, but a learned response to years of conditioning. Where vulnerability was often seen as weakness." He emphasizes the importance of healing emotional wounds and taking time to focus on personal growth. Owen emphasizes that embracing vulnerability fosters deeper connections with oneself and others. This approach can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Owen examines how men often adopt coping mechanisms like suppression and avoidance. These behaviours can hinder their ability to form meaningful connections. As a result, men may struggle to build deeper relationships. Owen's somatic therapy approach targets both the mind and body. It is an effective tool for men looking to break free from harmful cycles. This therapy helps them heal emotionally.

Revive Your Lost Bond With Your Teenage Children w/ Ben White

In today’s Men's Therapy Podcast episode, host Marc Azoulay explores modern fatherhood with therapist Ben White. He is a father of two and a mental health professional. He specializes in men's therapy and parenting support. As society's expectations of fathers continue to evolve. White brings a unique perspective that bridges professional expertise with personal experience. He offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that contemporary dads face. Especially when it comes to navigating family relationships and emotional intelligence. He began as an outdoor enthusiast but grew into a dedicated father. This journey reveals the transformative nature of parenthood. He stresses the importance of maintaining a personal identity while raising children. Balancing both is key.
Through their candid discussion, White shares his journey from an outdoor enthusiast to a dedicated father. He highlights the transformative nature of fatherhood and its impact on masculine identity. The conversation explores crucial aspects of modern parenting. It highlights the balance between personal identity and parental duties. Both are equally important. White highlights the importance of emotional awareness in raising boys. He focuses on the challenges of postpartum experiences for men. This discussion is helpful for fathers wanting to improve their role in their children's lives. It emphasizes the importance of staying connected to themselves and their partners. Effective communication is key to this process. Couples therapy can also strengthen these connections.

Healing Trauma - The Most Masculine Thing You Can Do! w/ Noah Galloway

On today's episode of the Men’s Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay sits down with Noah Galloway. He is a decorated combat veteran, speaker, and advocate for men's mental health. Galloway is known for his openness about his struggles. He shares how his personal experiences with trauma, fatherhood, and relationships have shaped his life. His journey has inspired others to seek healing.
“When we take that journey, it can put us in darker places,” Galloway reflects. He explains the challenges he faced during his mental health journey. He describes how processing trauma can be painful but necessary to find true healing. Galloway discusses losing limbs in combat and navigating failed relationships. He talks about the role of therapy in understanding his emotions. Therapy has also helped him improve his relationships with his family.
Galloway credits therapy with helping him confront deep-seated trauma. He highlights techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These methods have played a key role in his healing.“I’ve had realizations that explained so much about my childhood and why I reacted the way I did,” he shares. These breakthroughs have transformed his life and inspired his mission. He encourages men to embrace vulnerability and take control of their emotional health.

The Art of Being Neurodivergent w/ Dr. Matt Zakreski - Embrace Your Unique Brain

In today’s episode of the Men's Therapy Podcast, host Marc Azoulay welcomes back Dr. Matt Zakreski. He is a prominent voice in the field of neurodiversity. Today we explore the complexities of a neurodivergent individual. Dr. Zakreski discusses the intricacies of sensory processing, masking, and navigating social dynamics. He offers listeners an invaluable guide to understanding and embracing their neurodivergent identities. He shares how neurodivergent individuals can navigate a neurotypical society. "It feels like everybody else got a secret code, and I didn't," Dr. Zakreski reflects. .
Zakreski authored a book called "The Neurodiversity Playbook." It aims to provide the "instruction manual" that neurodivergent individuals never received. It helps them understand their unique brains and how to thrive. It captures the essence of feeling out of place. This is a feeling that many neurodivergent people experience. Through engaging storytelling, Dr. Zakreski offers a roadmap for embracing neurodiversity. He aims to empower men seeking to enhance their mental health and personal growth.